In our study thus far, Saul, a Jewish zealot hadn’t positively received the new converts to a different strain of Judaism. (I say Judaism, as the group hadn’t yet been called Christian or Messianic Jews, though perhaps it would be better to refer to them as ‘breakaway Jews’.) His prejudices were on full display by way of persecution. We are still trying to determine whether his long-term response to God is one of conversion or simply conviction. In Today’s Holy Nougat, however, we continue to reflect on the dialogue between God and Saul.
Acts 9:5-7 AMP
[5] And Saul said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He answered, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,
[6] now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
[7] The men who were travelling with him [were terrified and] stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
Hearing God
The link at the end of the Nougat is a somewhat hilarious take on what it means to hear from and obey God. For Saul, prostrate on the ground, at the very least on his knees, hearing God was perhaps not as simple. It definitely wasn’t fun. Note, though, that God gave a fairly comprehensive response. This is an aberration from the conversation style that Y’shua Jesus used with Nicodemus that night, but not quite in the same vein with the malefactor on the cross.
Siblings, God’s voice, and speaking style changes in relation to the individual. It might also be different in relation to God’s plans and purpose at that time. When the song writer tells us, therefore, ‘softly and tenderly Jesus is calling …’, there may be those amongst us whose conversion story wasn’t soft or tender. Is that to suggest that God is always angry or shouting – most definitely not! But some of us wouldn’t hear God’s still small voice.
Self-Check
In what ways does God speak to us personally?
Do I require confirmation that it is God’s Who speaks to me?
Application
In those days, there weren’t many temples for worship (for many Jews, there was only The Temple), and house churches had not yet been established. That meant preaching was not as popular as it is now (i.e., not a wide diversity), so people probably heard from God via priests or prophets (of which there were few). Only the very devout may have heard directly from God. We find examples in the Gospels (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; the Gospels also speak of Y’shua and John the Baptist), and, for the most part, they received angelic visits.
Saul’s roadside experience was not common. But it was definitely real. When we hear from God, we need to confirm that it is God’s voice. Thus, whatever we hear ought to align with God’s character, as recounted in the Scriptures. Just as Saul was sent to the city, we may seek to confirm what we have heard to ensure that we’re not being scammed.
Siblings, our God will not leave us without a witness (i.e., confirmation) about God’s will. Not every preacher, not every prophet who declares, ‘Thus saith the Lord’ is necessarily sent to us from God, even if the words they speak sound like God’s will for our lives. It is important, therefore, for us to be wholly familiar with Scripture so that we can hear God for ourselves.
Point to Ponder
Why do you believe God’s answer was sufficient for Saul?
In what ways might we be ignoring God’s voice, or, worse yet, confusing God’s voice?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
